Fabric sensing equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a fabric sensing device configured to detect the occurrence of a touch, the location of a touch, and / or the force of a touch on a touch-sensitive textile device. In some embodiments, the fabric sensing device includes a first group of conductive wires oriented in a first direction and a second group of conductive wires interwoven with the first group of conductive wires and oriented in a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a touch or near touch based on a change in electrical measurements obtained using the first group of conductive wires or the second group of conductive wires.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201580052905.6, application date September 16, 2015, and name “Fabric Sensing Device”.

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 058,027, filed on September 30, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to touch-sensitive devices, and more particularly to textile-based touch-sensitive devices. Background Art

[0004] Conventional electronic devices may include various input devices, including buttons, keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, and the like. Some conventional electronic devices may include a touch panel or touch screen configured to receive touch input from a user. However, many conventional input devices and touch sensors are formed using rigid materials and / or rigid substrate sheets, and therefore may be limited to certain form factors. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the input device to be formed of a flexible material, which may be more easily adapted to various applications. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a touch-sensitive textile device, which is configured to detect changes in capacitive coupling when an object touches a textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first group of conductive wires oriented in a first direction, and a second group of conductive wires interwoven with the first group of conductive wires and oriented in a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires to generate a charge on each of the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect changes in charge on either the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit is configured to detect changes in capacitive coupling caused by an object touching or approaching a touch-sensitive textile device. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a touch or approaching touch on the first group of conductive wires or the second group of conductive wires based on a change in charge. The sensing circuit may also be configured to determine the location of the touch based on a change in charge.

[0006] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component, the woven textile component including: a first group of conductive threads and a second group of conductive threads, and a group of non-conductive threads interwoven with the first group of conductive threads and the second group of conductive threads. In some embodiments, a group of non-conductive threads are oriented along a first direction to form a non-conductive strip area. The first group of conductive threads may include a group of conductive threads that form a conductive strip area adjacent to the non-conductive strip area. In some embodiments, the non-conductive strip area and the conductive strip area are arranged in an alternating pattern in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a touch-sensitive textile device configured to detect a change in resistance or impedance caused by an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first group of conductive wires oriented in a first direction, and a second group of conductive wires interwoven with the first group of conductive wires and oriented in a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a change in resistance between any one of the conductive wires in the first group of conductive wires and any one of the conductive wires in the second group of conductive wires. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to sense a touch on the first group of conductive wires or the second group of conductive wires based on a change in resistance. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to determine the location of the touch based on a change in resistance.

[0008] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a touch-sensitive textile device configured to detect a change in resistance or impedance between two textile layers caused by an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first group of conductive wires disposed in a first textile layer and a second group of conductive wires disposed in a second textile layer. The touch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure that separates the first textile layer and the second textile layer. The spacer structure may be configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

[0009] The device may also include a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a change in resistance between any one of the first group of conductive wires and any one of the second group of conductive wires. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to sense a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer based on a change in resistance. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to determine a location of a touch based on a change in resistance.

[0010] Some exemplary embodiments relate to a touch-sensitive textile device configured to detect the force of a touch based on a change in capacitance between two textile layers. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first group of conductive wires disposed in a first textile layer and a second group of conductive wires disposed in a second textile layer. The touch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure that separates the first textile layer and the second textile layer. The spacer structure may be configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

[0011] The device may also include a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a change in capacitance between any one of the first group of conductive wires and any one of the second group of conductive wires. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to detect a force of a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer based on a change in capacitance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary device system including a touch-sensitive textile device is shown.

[0013] Figure 2A -B shows an exemplary self-capacitive touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 3A -B shows an exemplary resistive touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 4A -B shows an exemplary two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 5A -B shows an exemplary two-layer capacitive touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments.

[0017] Fig. 6A -B shows an exemplary conductive thread configuration for a touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 7 An exemplary process for operating a touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0019] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textile system according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments described herein are generally directed to touch-sensitive textiles that can be used to receive touch inputs on various consumer products. Specifically, the devices and techniques described herein can be applied to various textile materials that can be incorporated into consumer electronics, clothing articles, apparel articles, handbags, upholstered articles, home textiles, and other items that may include textile components or elements. The present disclosure relates to techniques for forming touch-sensitive textiles for receiving various user touch inputs.

[0021] Generally speaking, it can be advantageous to implement touch-sensitive functionality using various materials that can be incorporated into multiple flexible and versatile form factors. In some specific implementations, the touch-sensitive textile can be incorporated into consumer electronic products (including, for example, wearable electronic devices). For example, the touch-sensitive textile can be incorporated into a portion of a belt or lanyard for fixing the device to the user's body. The touch-sensitive textile can also be incorporated into clothing articles such as shirts, jackets, gloves, or other textile-based clothing. For example, the touch-sensitive textile can be incorporated into sleeves, pockets, or other parts of clothing that are easy to access. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile can be incorporated into accessories, including, for example, handbags, wallets, handbags, backpacks, and / or other accessories with textile elements. The touch-sensitive textile can also be incorporated into unworn items, including, for example, cloth, carpets, tapestries, furniture upholstery materials, or other fabric-based products or components.

[0022] The touch-sensitive textile may be combined or integrated with other electronic components or electronic circuits to form a touch-sensitive textile device. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device may be configured to recognize one or more touch gestures on the surface of the textile. The one or more touch gestures may include a swipe or movement of a user's finger over the surface of the textile that can be interpreted as a command or other user input. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device may be configured to detect and measure the force of a touch on the textile that can be used to interpret additional user input and / or commands. The touch-sensitive textile device may also be combined with or configured to interact with an electronic device to provide user input to a program or instruction being executed on the electronic device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect and estimate the location of a touch or near touch on the surface of the textile. In some specific implementations, the touch-sensitive textile includes two sets of conductive wires oriented transverse to each other within the textile material. The conductive wires are operably coupled to a sensing circuit configured to generate and monitor a charge on each conductive wire in the touch-sensitive textile. When an object such as a user's finger approaches the conductive wire, the charge may dissipate or discharge, which can be detected by the sensing circuit. By determining the conductive wires that have been discharged, the sensing circuit (or other processing unit) can be used to estimate the location of the touch on the textile material.

[0024] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a resistive touch sensor configured to detect and estimate the location of a touch on the surface of the textile. In some specific implementations, the touch-sensitive textile includes two groups of conductive threads interwoven within the textile, each group of conductive threads being roughly oriented to cross each other. A touch such as a finger may contact the surface of a conductive thread from each group of conductive threads, which may reduce or change the resistance or impedance between the two groups of conductive threads. The reduced resistance or impedance caused by the touch may be detected by a sensing circuit that is configured to monitor and detect the resistance and / or impedance between pairs of conductive threads. In addition, by determining the conductive thread associated with the change in resistance or impedance, the sensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate the location of a touch on the surface of the textile material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include two layers of touch sensors separated by a spacer such as a monofilament yarn. Each layer of the textile may include a set of conductive threads. The spacer layer may compress or deform in response to a touch on the textile, which in some cases causes the conductive threads from each layer in the layer to contact each other. Contact between the conductive threads may result in a change in interlayer resistance or impedance, which may be detected by a sensing circuit. As with the previous example, by determining the conductive thread associated with the change in resistance or impedance, the sensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch on the textile material.

[0026] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include two layers of capacitive force sensors, wherein each layer includes a set of conductive wires, and the two layers are separated by a compressible spacer such as a monofilament yarn. When a force is applied to the surface of the textile, the two layers may be forced together, resulting in a change in capacitance between pairs of conductive wires in the two layers. In some implementations, the capacitance between pairs of conductive wires in the two layers may be monitored by a sensing circuit, which may be adapted to estimate the force on the textile based on the change in capacitance.

[0027] One or more of the above sensing configurations may be integrated with a touch-sensitive textile device or component configured to generate a touch output that can be interpreted as a command or other user input provided to an electronic device or system. In some implementations, the touch-sensitive textile device or component is used to receive user input to one or more of a variety of different electronic devices. By way of example and not limitation, the touch-sensitive textile device or component may be used to provide user input to a mobile phone, a portable media player, a wearable electronic device, a tablet computing device, a notebook computing device, a desktop computing device, a television, an appliance, or other electronic device or system.

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary device system including a touch-sensitive textile device 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 A touch-sensitive textile device is shown incorporated into an article of clothing wearable by a user. Figure 1 In the depicted example, the touch-sensitive textile device is incorporated into the sleeve of a garment. However, as previously described, in other examples, the touch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into a bracelet, wristband, armband, scarf, or other wearable item. In addition, the touch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into various other articles that are not worn by the user, including, for example, cloth, carpet, tapestry, furniture upholstery, handbags, backpacks, lanyards, or other fabric-based articles or components.

[0029] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be configured to be used in conjunction with various electronic devices. Figure 1 In the depicted example, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be configured to provide user input to a mobile electronic device 110 and / or a computing device 120. In this example, the mobile electronic device 110 is a mobile phone. In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 110 may include a portable media player, a wearable electronic device, or other mobile device. Figure 1 As shown, the computing device 120 is a notebook computer system. In some embodiments, the computing device 120 may include a desktop computer system, a server computing system, a remote computer system connected via a communication network, or other computing devices.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be configured to relay a user touch on the touch-sensitive textile device 100 to the mobile electronic device 110 and / or the computing device 120, where the touch can be interpreted as a command or user input. For example, the touch gesture or other type of touch command can be performed by touching the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device 100, such as Figure 1In this example, the user performs touch input by contacting a portion of the touch-sensitive sleeve with a finger or other detectable object. The gesture or touch command performed on the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be converted into a command or confirmation information sent to the mobile electronic device 110 and / or the computing device 120.

[0031] In one example, the mobile electronic device 110 may generate an alert output including audio, tactile, and / or visual output. Since the mobile electronic device 110 is located in the user's trouser pocket, the user may not be able to immediately access the mobile electronic device 110. To confirm receipt of the alert output, the user may perform a touch-based gesture or other touch input on the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device 100. The touch-sensitive textile device 100 may generate an output that is then sent to the mobile electronic device 110 to indicate that the user has received and acknowledged the alert. In response to the confirmation information, the mobile electronic device 110 may perform additional operations and / or end or mute the alert output.

[0032] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be used to provide commands to the mobile device 110 and / or computing device 120. For example, the user can use the mobile device 110 and / or computing device 120 to perform a gesture corresponding to a command for initiating a communication. In some cases, the user command can include an instruction to initiate an email, short message service, or other communication using a predetermined message that corresponds to a gesture input on the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device 100. When the user inputs a touch gesture on the touch-sensitive textile device 100, the communication can be sent to the mobile device 110 and / or computing device 120 that initiated the communication.

[0033] In some embodiments, user commands may include instructions to enter a do not disturb mode that silences alerts from the mobile device 110 or computing device 120. User commands may also include instructions to enter or invoke a safe mode, in which a password or other authentication is required to perform certain functions on the mobile device 110 or computing device 120. More generally, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 may be used to invoke various user commands that may be executed and / or interpreted by the mobile device 110, computing device 120, or any other electronic device in communication with the touch-sensitive textile device 100.

[0034] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be used to control programs or operations executed on the mobile electronic device 100 or computing device 120. For example, the touch-sensitive textile device 100 can be used to control the volume of the audio output of the mobile electronic device 100 or computing device 120. The touch-sensitive textile device 100 can also be used to select the next track during media playback or index the media item to the next item. In this example, the mobile electronic device 100 is located in the user's trouser pocket and may not be immediately accessible. However, because the touch-sensitive textile device 100 is incorporated into the sleeve of the user's clothing, touch-based user control can always be immediately implemented by the user.

[0035] As briefly described above, a touch-sensitive textile device may include a variety of sensing technologies for detecting a touch and / or the force of a touch of a textile surface. Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A -B shows an exemplary sensing technology that can be used to detect and interpret touch inputs to a textile surface. Although the following examples are provided with respect to woven fabric textiles, similar principles can be applied to textiles of different compositions, including, for example, knitted textiles, lace textiles, mesh textiles, etc.

[0036] Figure 2A -B shows an exemplary self-capacitive touch-sensitive textile according to some embodiments. Figure 2A A top view of textile 200 is shown, and Figure 2B An exemplary cross-sectional view taken across section 2B-2B is shown. For clarity, a simplified detailed view of conductive textile 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 2A -B. In some embodiments, textile 200 may include other elements or components (e.g., stitches, fasteners, embroidery) not explicitly depicted in the figure. Textile 200 may also be operably connected to one or more sensing circuits, as described below with respect to Figure 8 Described in detail.

[0037] like Figure 2A 2, the textile 200 includes a first group of conductive threads 202 oriented generally along a first (horizontal) direction. The textile 200 also includes a second group of conductive threads 204 oriented generally along a second (vertical) direction, the second direction being transverse to the first direction. In this embodiment, the first group of conductive threads 202 and the second group of conductive threads 204 are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. However, in other embodiments, the two groups of conductive threads may be oriented at other non-orthogonal angles relative to each other. The textile 200 also includes a group of non-conductive threads 206 oriented generally along the first (horizontal) direction, and another group of non-conductive threads 208 oriented generally along the second (vertical) direction.

[0038] exist Figure 2AIn the example depicted in FIG. 2B , the first set of conductive threads 202 may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads 204 to form a woven structure. Figure 2A -B shows a simple woven structure, where the first set of conductive threads 202 form the warp (or weft) threads of the woven structure, and the second set of conductive threads 204 form the weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. Figure 2A The weaving configurations described in -B are illustrative examples, and other weaving patterns may be used.

[0039] Conductive wire 202 and conductive wire 204 can be formed using various conductive materials. In some embodiments, the conductive wire is formed of a conductive metal material, which includes, for example, stainless steel yarn, iron fiber yarn, copper yarn, silver yarn, etc. In some embodiments, the conductive wire is formed of a non-conductive material coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive wire can be formed of a natural or synthetic fiber coated with a metal conductive material, which includes, for example, a silver material, a nickel material, a gold material, etc. The non-conductive portion or core of the conductive wire may contain a synthetic material, which includes a nylon material, an aramid fiber, an acrylic fiber, a polyester fiber, etc. Natural materials include, for example, cotton, wool, linen, silk, etc. In this example, the conductive wires 202, 204 may include an electrically insulating coating, or may include a conductive material arranged along at least a portion of the outer surface of the conductive wire.

[0040] In some embodiments, conductive wires 202, 204 are operably connected to a circuit configured to drive the conductive wires with electrical signals and also sense electrical characteristics of the conductive wires to determine the occurrence and / or location of a touch on the surface of textile 200. Figure 8 An exemplary sensing circuit is described in more detail. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to both the first group of conductive wires 202 and the second group of conductive wires 204. In some implementations, the drive signal generates an electric charge between both the first group of conductive wires 202 and the second group of conductive wires 204. The drive signal can include an electrical pulse, a series of electrical pulses, and / or an alternating current transmitted to the conductive wires 202, 204.

[0041] like Figure 2B As described, when there is an object (e.g., a user's finger) touching or approaching the surface of the textile 200 to cause charge dissipation or discharge, the sensing circuit can detect the touch. In some embodiments, the object (e.g., the user's finger) is conductive and connected to a ground or an effective current sink. The object present can be capacitively coupled to one or more conductive wires located near the touch point (or near the touch point) of the object, resulting in a net change in the charge maintained on each conductive wire. The change in charge can be detected by the sensing circuit and used to identify the occurrence of touch. In some cases, the capacitive coupling between the conductive wire and the object can be referred to as a self-capacitive sensing configuration.

[0042] In some embodiments, the location of the touch can also be determined by monitoring the capacitive coupling between the object (e.g., the user's finger) and the conductive lines of the textile. For example, the sensing circuit can be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical characteristics of each conductive line of the first set of conductive lines 202. One or more conductive lines determined to be capacitively coupled to the object touching (or nearly touching) textile 200 can be used to determine the first coordinates of the location of the touch. Figure 2A In the depicted example, first set of conductive lines 202 may be used to determine a vertical coordinate or y-coordinate of the location of the touch. Similarly, a second coordinate may be determined by measuring or sensing an electrical characteristic of each conductive line of second set of conductive lines 204. In this example, second set of conductive lines 204 may be used to determine a horizontal coordinate or x-coordinate of the location of the touch on textile 200.

[0043] Each of the conductive lines can be selectively measured or sensed using a time multiplexing scheme, where each of the conductive lines is sensed at a different time. Other multiplexing schemes can also be used, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, etc. Modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation can also be used to distinguish measurements of different conductive lines. In addition or alternatively, each conductive line can have a dedicated portion of the sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive line.

[0044] In this example, a finger is shown as an exemplary object that touches or comes close to touching the surface of textile 200. In other embodiments, other objects such as a stylus, a probe, a scanning pen, etc. may be used to capacitively couple with the conductive lines of textile 200. In addition, textile 200 may be configured to detect the occurrence of multiple touches and / or multiple types of objects on the surface of textile 200.

[0045] like Figure 2A -B, the first group of conductive lines 202 and the second group of conductive lines 204 are arranged into adjacent conductive line groups to form a plurality of conductive strip regions in the textile 200. Similarly, adjacent non-conductive line groups form non-conductive strip regions in the textile 200. In this example, the conductive strip regions and the non-conductive strip regions are adjacent to each other and arranged in an alternating pattern. That is, the conductive line groups of the first group of conductive lines 202 form conductive strip regions oriented in a first (horizontal) direction in an alternating manner, while the groups of non-conductive lines 206 form non-conductive strips oriented in the same direction and alternate with the conductive strips. Similarly, the second group of conductive lines 204 are arranged to form groups of conductive strip regions oriented in a second (vertical) direction in an alternating manner, while the groups of non-conductive lines 208 form non-conductive strips oriented in the same direction and alternate with the conductive strips.

[0046] In some embodiments, adjacent conductive lines arranged in groups are treated as a single conductor for the purpose of detecting the occurrence and location of a touch on textile 400. For example, in some implementations, the total charge on a group of conductive lines is monitored to detect capacitive coupling with an object that touches or comes close to touching a corresponding area of ​​textile 400. By combining the effects of multiple conductive lines arranged in groups, the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor can be improved. As a tradeoff, the position sensing resolution of textile 200 can be reduced. However, depending on the line density of textile 200, the reduction in resolution may not be noticeable in most actual sensing operations.

[0047] Figure 3A -B shows an exemplary resistive touch-sensitive textile according to some embodiments. Figure 3A A top view of textile 300 is shown, and Figure 2B An exemplary cross-sectional view taken across section 3B-3B is shown. For clarity, a simplified detailed view of conductive textile 300 is shown in FIG. Figure 3A -B. As described with respect to the previous examples, textile 300 may include other elements or components (e.g., stitches, fasteners, embroidery) not explicitly depicted in the figures. Textile 300 may also be operably connected to one or more sensing circuits, as described below with respect to Figure 8 Described in detail.

[0048] like Figure 3A As shown, textile 300 includes a first group of conductive threads 302 oriented generally along a first (horizontal) direction. Textile 300 also includes a second group of conductive threads 304 oriented generally along a second (vertical) direction, which is transverse to the first direction. In this embodiment, the first group of conductive threads 302 and the second group of conductive threads 304 are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. However, in other embodiments, the two groups of conductive threads may be oriented at other non-orthogonal angles relative to each other. Textile 300 also includes a group of non-conductive threads oriented generally along the first (horizontal) direction, and another group of non-conductive threads 308 oriented generally along the second (vertical) direction.

[0049] exist Figure 3A In the example depicted in FIG. 3B , the first set of conductive threads 302 may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads 304 to form a woven structure. Figure 3A-B shows a simple woven structure, wherein the first group of conductive threads 302 forms the warp (or weft) threads of the woven structure, and the second group of conductive threads 304 forms the weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. In this embodiment, the conductive threads 302, 304 are woven together with multiple groups of threads to form transverse stripes or elongated stitches. The elongated stitches can expose a longer continuous section of the conductive threads 302, 304, which can be contacted by an object such as a finger. This can improve or enhance the sensing capabilities of the textile 300, as described in detail below. Figure 3A The weaving configuration depicted in -B is an illustrative example, and other weaving patterns may be used.

[0050] Conductive lines 302 and 304 may be formed using a variety of conductive materials. Figure 2A As described above, the conductive thread may be formed of a conductive material or of a natural or synthetic non-conductive material coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive thread may be formed of a natural or synthetic fiber coated with a metallic conductive material, such as a silver material, a nickel material, a gold material, etc. In this example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the thread may be conductive. This may facilitate electrical connection with an object touching the textile.

[0051] In some embodiments, conductive wires 302, 304 are operably connected to a circuit configured to drive the conductive wires with electrical signals and also sense electrical characteristics of the conductive wires to determine the occurrence and / or location of a touch on the surface of textile 300. Figure 8 An exemplary sensing circuit is described in more detail. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to the first group of conductive wires 302 or the second group of conductive wires 304. In some implementations, the drive signal generates a voltage or potential on one or more of the first (or second) group of conductive wires. The drive signal may include a direct current voltage, a voltage pulse or a series of voltage pulses and / or an alternating current voltage transmitted to the conductive wires 302, 304.

[0052] like Figure 3BAs described, when there is an object (e.g., a user's finger) touching the two sets of conductive wires 302, 304 of the textile 300 and causing the resistance or impedance between the two sets of conductive wires 302, 304 to change, the sensing circuit can detect the touch. In some embodiments, the object (e.g., the user's finger) is conductive and electrically coupled to the two sets of conductive wires 302, 304. In some embodiments, the two sets of conductive wires 302, 304 have at least a portion of an outer surface formed by a conductive material, so when the wire contacts an object such as a user's finger, a current or signal can pass between the wires. In some cases, a single touch of the textile 300 can result in an electrical connection of more than one pair of conductive wires. Therefore, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit can be configured to detect the occurrence of touching the textile 300 by monitoring the change in resistance or impedance between the paired conductive wires.

[0053] In some embodiments, the weave pattern can enhance or improve the touch sensing properties of textile 300. For example, Figure 3A 3A-B, each set of conductive threads can be woven together with multiple sets of non-conductive threads to form a continuous exposed section of elongated stitches or threads. In some cases, this can improve the electrical contact between the object and the conductive threads, resulting in more reliable or consistent resistance or impedance measurements. In addition, as shown in 3A-B, conductive threads 302, 304 are separated by multiple non-conductive threads 306, 308, which can reduce accidental electrical coupling between conductive threads 302, 304, which can also improve the consistency and / or reliability of the sensing characteristics of textile 300.

[0054] In some embodiments, the location of the touch can also be determined by monitoring the resistance and impedance between one or more pairs of conductive lines of textile 300. For example, the sensing circuit can be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical characteristics between each conductive line in first group of conductive lines 302 and one or more conductive lines in second group of conductive lines 304. The pairs of lines that are electrically coupled (due to the touch of the object) can be used to determine the coordinates of the touch location. Figure 3B In the depicted example, conductive line 302 of the first set of conductive lines is electrically coupled to conductive line 304 of the second set of conductive lines by a touching object (e.g., a user's finger). If the locations of the electrically connected first conductive line 302 and second conductive line 304 are known, the location of the touch can be estimated. As previously mentioned, more than one pair of conductive lines can be connected by a single touch. In some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on the centroid or approximate center of the electrically connected pairs of lines.

[0055] Similar to the above example, electrical characteristics (including resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductive lines may be selectively measured or sensed using a time multiplexing scheme in which the resistance or impedance between each pair of lines is sensed at different times. If a time-varying voltage signal is used to drive the lines, other multiplexing schemes may also be used, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like. Modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation may also be used to distinguish measurements of different conductive lines. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive line may have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive line.

[0056] In this example, a finger is shown as an exemplary object that touches or comes close to touching the surface of textile 300. However, as previously described, other objects such as a conductive stylus, a probe, a scanning pen, etc. may be used to electrically couple or connect the pairs of conductive lines of textile 300. In addition, textile 300 may be configured to detect the occurrence of multiple touches and / or multiple types of objects on the surface of textile 300.

[0057] Figure 4A -B shows an exemplary two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textile according to some embodiments. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 4B , textile 400 is formed of two textile layers: an upper textile layer 410 and a lower textile layer 420. In this example, a spacer structure (including monofilament yarn 402) maintains a gap between the two textile layers. In this example, monofilament yarn 402 is interwoven with upper textile layer 410 and lower textile layer 420. Figure 4B As shown, monofilament yarn 402 (an exemplary spacer structure) is configured to deflect and compress in response to touch on upper textile layer 410. Monofilament yarn 402 may also deflect or compress in response to touch on lower textile layer 420 (not shown).

[0058] like Figure 4A As shown, the first group of conductive threads 406 can be oriented in a first direction and can be combined with the first textile layer 410. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 406 are interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer 410. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 406 are connected to the surface of the upper textile layer 410. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 406 are disposed in the gap, offset from the position of the lower textile layer 420.

[0059] like Figure 4AAs shown, the second group of conductive threads 404 can be oriented in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first group of conductive threads 406. The second group of conductive threads 404 can be interwoven with other fiber threads of the lower textile layer 420. In some embodiments, the second group of conductive threads 404 are connected to the surface of the lower textile layer 420. In some embodiments, the second group of conductive threads 404 are disposed in the gap, offset from the position of the upper textile layer 410.

[0060] Conductive lines 406 and conductive lines 404 may be formed using a variety of conductive materials. Figure 2A As described above, the conductive thread may be formed of a conductive material or of a natural or synthetic non-conductive material coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive thread may be formed of a natural or synthetic fiber coated with a metallic conductive material, such as a silver material, a nickel material, a gold material, etc. In this example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the thread may be conductive. This may facilitate electrical connection between the conductive threads when the textile is compressed by the touch of an object.

[0061] In some embodiments, first set of conductive threads 406 and second set of conductive threads 404 are operably connected to a circuit configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical characteristics of the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and / or location of a touch on the surface of textile 400. Figure 8 An exemplary sensing circuit is described in more detail. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to the first group of conductive wires 406 or the second group of conductive wires 404. In some implementations, the drive signal generates a voltage or potential on one or more conductive wires in the first (or second) group of conductive wires. The drive signal may include a direct current voltage, a voltage pulse or a series of voltage pulses and / or an alternating current voltage transmitted to the conductive wires 406, 404.

[0062] like Figure 4B As shown, a touch on one of the textile layers 410, 420 (or both textile layers) can cause the monofilament yarn 402 to collapse so that the first group of conductive threads 406 and the second group of conductive threads 404 contact each other. In some embodiments, when the touch between the two groups of conductive threads 406, 404 causes a change in the resistance or impedance between the two groups of conductive threads 406, 404, the sensing circuit can detect the contact. In some embodiments, the two conductive threads 406, 404 have at least a portion of an outer surface formed by a conductive material, so when the threads contact each other, an electric current or signal can pass between the threads. In some cases, a single touch of the textile 400 can result in an electrical connection of more than one pair of conductive threads. Therefore, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit can be configured to detect the occurrence of a touch on the textile 400 by monitoring the change in the resistance or impedance between the paired conductive threads.

[0063] In some embodiments, the location of the touch can also be determined by monitoring the resistance and impedance between one or more pairs of conductive lines of textile 400. For example, the sensing circuit can be configured to selectively measure or sense electrical characteristics between each conductive line of first set of conductive lines 406 and one or more conductive lines of second set of conductive lines 404. The electrically coupled pairs of lines (due to the touch of the object) can be used to determine the coordinates of the location of the touch. Figure 4B In the depicted example, conductive line 406 of the first set of conductive lines is electrically coupled to conductive line 404 of the second set of conductive lines. If the locations of first conductive line 406 and second conductive line 404 within the textile are known, the location of the touch can be estimated. As previously mentioned, more than one pair of conductive lines can be connected by a single touch. In some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on the centroid or approximate center of the electrically connected pairs of lines.

[0064] Similar to the above examples, electrical characteristics (including resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductive lines can be selectively measured or sensed using a time multiplexing scheme in which the resistance or impedance between each pair of lines is sensed at different times. If a time-varying voltage signal is used to drive the lines, other multiplexing schemes can also be used, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like. Modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation can also be used to distinguish measurements of different conductive lines. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive line can have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive line.

[0065] In this example, a finger is shown as an exemplary object touching or near touching the surface of textile 400. However, any other object such as a stylus, a probe, a scanning pen, etc. can be used to deflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to align the touch with textile 400.

[0066] Figure 5A -B shows an exemplary two-layer capacitive touch-sensitive textile according to some embodiments. Figure 5A As shown in Figure 5-B, textile 500 is formed of two textile layers: upper textile layer 510 and lower textile layer 530. In this example, a spacer structure (including monofilament yarn 530) maintains a gap between the two textile layers. In this example, monofilament yarn 530 is interwoven with upper textile layer 510 and lower textile layer 520. Figure 5B As shown, monofilament yarn 502 (an exemplary spacer structure) is configured to deflect and compress in response to touch on upper textile layer 510. Monofilament yarn 520 may also deflect or compress in response to touch on lower textile layer 520 (not shown).

[0067] like Figure 5AAs shown, the first group of conductive threads 502 can be oriented along a first direction and can be combined with the first textile layer 510. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 502 are interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer 510. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 502 are connected to the surface of the upper textile layer 510. In some embodiments, the first group of conductive threads 502 are disposed in the gap, offset from the position of the lower textile layer 520.

[0068] like Figure 5A As shown, the second group of conductive threads 504 can be oriented in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first group of conductive threads 502. The second group of conductive threads 504 can be interwoven with other fiber threads of the lower textile layer 530. In some embodiments, the second group of conductive threads 504 are connected to the surface of the lower textile layer 530. In some embodiments, the second group of conductive threads 504 are disposed in the gap, offset from the position of the upper textile layer 510.

[0069] Conductive lines 302 and 304 may be formed using a variety of conductive materials. Figure 2A As described above, the conductive wires may be formed of a conductive material or of a natural or synthetic non-conductive material coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive wires may be formed of a natural or synthetic fiber coated with a metallic conductive material, such as a silver material, a nickel material, a gold material, etc. In this example, the conductive wires 202, 204 may include an electrically insulating coating, or may include a conductive material arranged along at least a portion of the outer surface of the conductive wires.

[0070] In some embodiments, first set of conductive threads 506 and second set of conductive threads 504 are operably connected to a circuit configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical properties of the conductive threads to determine the magnitude and / or location of the force on the surface of textile 500. Figure 8 An exemplary sensing circuit is described in more detail. In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to the first group of conductive wires 502 and / or the second group of conductive wires 504. In some implementations, the drive signal generates a charge on one or more conductive wires in the first (or second) group of conductive wires. The drive signal may include an electrical pulse, a series of electrical pulses, and / or an alternating current / voltage transmitted to the conductive wires 502, 504.

[0071] like Figure 5B As shown, the force of the touch on one of the textile layers 510, 530 (or both textile layers) can cause the monofilament yarn 520 to collapse. Due to the touch, the distance between the upper textile layer 510 and the lower textile layer 530 is reduced from Figure 5A The distance "A" shown is reduced to Figure 5BThe distance "B" is shown. Changes in the distance between upper textile layer 510 and lower textile layer 530 can be detected by a sensing circuit configured to monitor the capacitance between one or more lines of first set of conductive lines 502 (associated with upper textile layer 510) and one or more lines of second set of conductive lines 504 (associated with lower textile layer 530).

[0072] In some embodiments, the compression distance of the monofilament yarn 502 (exemplary spacer structure) corresponds to the force of the touch. Therefore, by using, for example, capacitance measurement to determine the relative deflection of the two textile layers 510, 530, the force of the touch can be estimated. In some embodiments, the monofilament yarn 502 (exemplary spacer structure) has an approximately linear response to at least a certain degree of compression. Therefore, in some cases, the deflection measured by the capacitance change between one or more conductive lines 502, 504 can be proportional to the force of the touch textile 500. In some embodiments, the monofilament yarn 502 (exemplary spacer structure) has a known nonlinear response to the compression force. The nonlinear response can be approximated by a function that can be obtained from empirical data. Therefore, in some cases, the capacitance change between one or more conductive lines 502, 504 can be related to the force of the touch of the textile 500 through a nonlinear function.

[0073] In some embodiments, the touch on the upper textile layer 510 may also change or affect the capacitive coupling between one or more conductive lines 502, 504. In some cases, when an object such as a user's finger is present on or near the textile 500, a change in capacitance between the conductive lines 502, 504 will be caused due to the capacitive properties of the object. In some cases, the capacitive coupling between the conductive lines 502, 504 and the object touching (or nearly touching) the textile 500 can be used to determine the occurrence of touch (or near touch), even when the two textile layers 510, 530 are not deflected or compressed, as described above. In some cases, when the deflection or compression between the textile layers is used to calculate the force measurement, the effect of the capacitive coupling with the object is estimated or compensated. In some embodiments, one or more of the textile layers includes a shield or shielding layer that reduces the capacitive coupling between the conductive lines and the object touching the textile 500.

[0074] In some embodiments, the location of the touch can also be determined by monitoring the capacitance between one or more pairs of conductive lines of textile 500. For example, the sensing circuit can be configured to selectively measure or sense electrical characteristics between each conductive line of first set of conductive lines 502 and one or more conductive lines of second set of conductive lines 504. Line pairs where the capacitive coupling changes (due to the touch of the object) can be used to determine the coordinates of the touch location. Figure 5BIn the depicted example, conductive line 502 of the first set of conductive lines can be capacitively coupled to conductive line 504 of the second set of conductive lines, which can change with a touch or force applied to textile 500. If the locations of first conductive line 502 and second conductive line 504 within the textile are known, the location of the touch can be estimated. In some cases, more than one pair of conductive lines can contribute to a single touch. Thus, in some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on the centroid or approximate center of multiple pairs of lines that cause a change in capacitance due to a touch or force.

[0075] Similar to the above example, the electrical characteristics (including capacitance) of each pair of conductive lines can be selectively measured or sensed using a time multiplexing scheme in which the capacitance between each pair of lines is sensed at different times. Other multiplexing schemes can also be used, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like. Modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation can also be used to distinguish measurements of different conductive lines. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive line can have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical characteristics of the conductive line.

[0076] In this example, a finger is shown as an exemplary object touching or near touching the surface of textile 500. However, any other object such as a stylus, a probe, a scanning pen, etc. can be used to deflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to align the touch with textile 500.

[0077] For the above relative to Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A For each of the embodiments described in -B, the conductive threads can be used to detect a touch or force of a touch on the textile. Additionally, the conductive threads can be used as conduits or conductors for sending electrical signals to and away from the touch-sensitive portion of the textile. In some cases, the textile can be configured to reduce noise or crosstalk between the conductive threads used as conduits for electrical signals.

[0078] Fig. 6A -B shows an exemplary conductive thread configuration for a touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A shows a flat pattern of textile 600, and Figure 6B 600 is shown in a folded or bent form. In this example, textile 600 may form part of a wristband or strap having a touch-sensitive area connected to other circuits or components via conductive threads. Fig. 6A The embodiment depicted in -B can be used to minimize or reduce crosstalk or noise caused by two sets of conductive lines integrated into a textile. As described below, the first set of conductive lines 602 can be electrically isolated from the second set of conductive lines 604 by folding the first set of conductive lines 602 under a portion of the textile 600.

[0079] Figure 6BAn exemplary flat pattern of a textile 600 is shown having two sets of conductive threads 602, 604 for forming a touch sensitive area toward the right end of the textile 600. The touch sensitive area may correspond to the above with respect to Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A -B. In this example, the conductive threads 603, 604 can also be used to carry electrical signals from and to the touch sensitive areas. Fig. 6A As shown, the second set of conductive lines 604 are disposed within a middle portion of the textile 600. The first set of conductive lines 602 are disposed within an edge portion of the planarized textile 600.

[0080] like Fig. 6A As shown, the flat textile 600 can be bent along bending lines 610a and 610b to form Figure 6B The folding pattern depicted. Figure 6B As shown, first group of conductive lines 602 are folded under a portion of textile 600, which can reduce the profile or size of textile 600 and do not significantly increase crosstalk or interference between first group of conductive lines 602 and second group of conductive lines 604. In some embodiments, shielding member 620 is disposed between a middle portion of textile 600 and an edge portion folded under the middle portion. Shielding member 620 can increase electrical isolation between first group of conductive lines 602 and second group of conductive lines 604 and further reduce crosstalk and / or electrical interference therebetween.

[0081] exist Fig. 6A In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6B , the first set of conductive threads 602 and the second set of conductive threads 604 may be formed from continuous conductive threads interwoven into the material of textile 600 . Fig. 6A As shown, continuous conductive threads of first set of conductive threads 602 may be woven to create an approximately 90 degree bend near the right end of textile 600. In some cases, the bend in first set of conductive threads 602 is formed in the weave of textile 600.

[0082] Fig. 6A -B shows an exemplary embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments, the textile can be formed in a variety of different ways. For example, in a single piece of material, the first group of conductive threads can be folded under the second group of conductive threads. In another example, a portion of the first group of conductive threads can be folded over the second group of conductive threads, and another portion of the first group of conductive threads can be folded under the second group of conductive threads. A shielding layer or component can be disposed between the pieces of textile folded over the second group of conductive threads and under the second group of conductive threads.

[0083] Figure 7An exemplary process 700 for operating a touch-sensitive textile device according to some embodiments is shown. The exemplary process 700 can be used to operate the above-mentioned Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A - One or more of the exemplary touch-sensitive textiles described in -B. Although the specific sensing principles and electrical measurements may vary depending on the touch-sensitive textile, the operations of process 700 outlined below may have general applicability.

[0084] In operation 702, a drive signal is applied to the touch-sensitive textile. Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A -B, the touch-sensitive textile may include one or more sets of conductive wires operably connected to a circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit is configured to drive the conductive wires using an electrical signal. The response to the signal can be used to sense the occurrence of a touch on the textile, the location of the touch, and / or the force of the touch. Figure 8 An exemplary sensing circuit is described in more detail. With respect to operation 702, the drive signal may include a DC signal or a portion of a signal applied to one or more of the conductive threads of the textile. In some embodiments, the drive signal includes an electrical pulse, a series of pulses, and / or an alternating electrical signal applied to one or more of the conductive threads of the textile. Specifically, in the example of a resistive touch-sensitive textile, the drive signal may include a characteristic voltage or potential. Examples of resistive touch-sensitive textiles are described above with respect to Figure 3A -B and Figure 4A In the case of a capacitive touch-sensitive textile, the drive signal may include an electrical signal having a time-varying current and / or voltage component. Examples of capacitive touch-sensitive textiles are described above with respect to Figure 2A -B and Figure 5A -B gives.

[0085] In operation 704, an untouched state is detected. Specifically, an electrical measurement or series of electrical measurements may occur when the touch-sensitive textile is not touched. Sensor measurements performed in the untouched state may represent a static or steady-state condition of the touch-sensitive textile. In some cases, the untouched state is detected by performing a series of measurements over a period of time to determine or confirm that the touch-sensitive textile has not been touched based on user input. In some cases, specifically if the textile is incorporated into wearable clothing, there may be a degree of incidental user contact due to the textile being located near or on the user's body. For purposes of operation 704, incidental touches are not considered touch inputs.

[0086] In some embodiments, operation 704 is performed at regularly repeated intervals. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, no action is taken. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, the sensor measurements are recorded or used to calculate a baseline condition. In some cases, sensor measurements performed in an untouched state can be used to compensate for the effects of the sensor due to changes in temperature or other environmental conditions.

[0087] In operation 706, a touch state is detected. In some embodiments, a touch state is detected because the sensor measurement is changed or deviated from the result obtained by the baseline measurement described above with respect to operation 704, as described above. The details of the touch sensing may depend on the type of touch-sensitive textile used. For example, if the touch-sensitive textile is similar to the one described above with respect to operation 704, the touch state is detected. Figure 3A -B and Figure 4A -B, a change in resistance or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive lines can indicate a touch state. Similarly, if the touch-sensitive textile is similar to the one described above with respect to Figure 2A -B and Figure 5A -B, the capacitance sensing configuration of the embodiment described in the embodiment, then the change in capacitance between one or more pairs of conductive lines can indicate the touch state.

[0088] In response to detecting a touch state, the touch input may be interpreted, relayed, and / or stored by another aspect of the system. For example, based on detecting a touch state, the location of the touch may be determined and relayed to another aspect of the system. In some embodiments, the touch input provided to the touch-sensitive textile may be used to control a cursor or other element of a graphical user interface. In some implementations, the movement of the touch (if any) may be determined and used to interpret the gesture performed by the user. The gesture may be relayed and / or the command associated with the gesture may be relayed to another aspect of the system, which may take further action based on the touch output.

[0089] Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textile system 800 is shown according to some embodiments. In general, Figure 8 A simplified version of a sensing system 800 is shown, which may be used to operate the above with respect to Figure 2A -B to Figure 5A - One or more touch-sensitive textiles as described in B.

[0090] like Figure 8As shown, the touch-sensitive textile 830 may include two groups of conductive lines. In this example, the first group of conductive lines 811 are oriented along a first (vertical) direction, and the second group of conductive lines 812 are oriented along a second (horizontal) direction. The intersection of a pair of conductive lines can serve as a sensing node 801. For example, in an embodiment in which touch is detected by measuring the resistance between a pair of conductive lines, the intersection of the lines (or near the intersection) can be used as a sensing node 801. Similarly, in an embodiment in which touch is detected by a change in capacitance coupling between a pair of conductive lines or in one or more groups of conductive lines, the intersection of the lines can also be used as a sensing node 801. When an object touches a sensing node 801, both the occurrence of the touch and the location of the touch can be determined.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, the first group of conductive lines 811 can be operably coupled to a column selector 810, which is configured to selectively couple one or more of the conductive lines 811 to a sensing circuit 850. Similarly, the second group of conductive lines 812 can be operably coupled to a row selector 820, which is configured to selectively couple one or more of the conductive lines 812 to a sensing circuit 850. In some embodiments, the column selector 810 and the row selector 820 may include a set of switches configured to couple the conductive lines to the sensing circuit according to a time multiplexing sequence. In addition or alternatively, the column selector 810 and the row selector 820 may include a wavelength division multiplexing unit or a frequency division multiplexing unit for multiplexing signals from the conductive lines.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the system 800 also includes a sensing circuit 850 operably coupled to the conductive line through the column selector 810 and the row selector 820. According to the above embodiments, the sensing circuit 850 includes one or various subsystems for generating a drive signal. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit 850 includes a voltage source for generating a DC voltage signal. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit includes a voltage source and / or a current source for generating an electrical pulse, a series of electrical pulses, and / or an AC current / voltage to drive the conductive lines 811, 812 of the textile 830.

[0093] The sensing circuit 850 may also include one or more subsystems for detecting changes in one or more aspects of the electrical response of the touch-sensitive textile 830. As described above, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit 850 may be configured to detect changes in resistance and / or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive wires. The change in resistance can be measured using a circuit configured to measure the potential relative to a ground portion or another reference potential. In addition, as described above, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit 850 may be configured to detect changes in capacitance or changes in capacitive coupling between pairs of conductive wires. Changes in capacitance or capacitive coupling can be detected using, for example, a current integrator, a charge amplifier, or other similar types of circuits. In some cases, the sensing circuit 850 is formed using one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) components.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the sensing circuit 850 is operably coupled to an input / output circuit 855 configured to transmit signals between the system 800 and other components of the device or other devices. In some specific implementations, the input / output circuit is configured to transmit commands or touch inputs to other components of the device or other devices to perform operations in response to touch on the touch-sensitive textile 830. In some embodiments, the input / output circuit includes a wireless communication circuit configured to transmit signals using a wireless communication interface. Generally speaking, the wireless communication interface may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency, light, sound and / or magnetic signals, and may be configured to operate through a wireless interface or protocol. Exemplary wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, sound interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP / IP interfaces, network communication interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided, comprising: a first group of conductive wires oriented along a first direction; a second group of conductive wires interwoven with the first group of conductive wires and oriented along a second direction; and a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires, the sensing circuit being configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires, and to detect a change in capacitive coupling between the first group of conductive wires and one of the second group of conductive wires in response to an object touching or approaching the touch-sensitive textile device.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is configured to detect a touch or near touch on the touch-sensitive textile based on a change in charge.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine the location of the touch based on the change in charge.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component including a first set of conductive threads and a second set of conductive threads, and a set of non-conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and the second set of conductive threads.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a group of non-conductive threads oriented in a first direction to form a non-conductive strip area, and the first group of conductive threads includes a group of conductive threads forming a conductive strip area adjacent to the non-conductive strip area.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes: a non-conductive strip area formed by non-conductive lines; and a conductive strip area formed by a first group of conductive lines and a second group of conductive lines, and the non-conductive strip area and the conductive strip area are arranged in an alternating pattern in both the first direction and the second direction.

[0101] According to one embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided, comprising: a first group of conductive wires oriented along a first direction; a second group of conductive wires interwoven with the first group of conductive wires and oriented along a second direction; and a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires, the sensing circuit being configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and detect a change in resistance between any one of the conductive wires in the first group and any one of the conductive wires in the second group.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first set of conductive lines or the second set of conductive lines based on a change in resistance.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine the location of the touch based on the change in resistance.

[0104] According to another embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component including: a first group of conductive threads and a second group of conductive threads; and a group of non-conductive threads interwoven with the first group of conductive threads and the second group of conductive threads.

[0105] According to one embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided, comprising: a first group of conductive wires arranged in a first textile layer; a second group of conductive wires arranged in a second textile layer; a spacer structure separating the first textile layer and the second textile layer, the spacer structure being configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer; and a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires, the sensing circuit being configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and detect a change in resistance between any one of the conductive wires in the first group and any one of the conductive wires in the second group.

[0106] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer based on a change in resistance.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine the location of the touch based on the change in resistance.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the first textile layer is formed of a first set of non-conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed of a second set of non-conductive threads interwoven with the second set of conductive threads.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

[0110] According to one embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided, comprising: a first group of conductive wires arranged in a first textile layer; a second group of conductive wires arranged in a second textile layer; a spacer structure separating the first textile layer and the second textile layer, the spacer structure being configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer; and a sensing circuit operably coupled to the first group of conductive wires and the second group of conductive wires, the sensing circuit being configured to apply a drive signal to the first group of conductive wires and detect a change in capacitance between any one of the first group of conductive wires and any one of the second group of conductive wires due to deflection in the spacer structure.

[0111] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first textile layer or the second textile layer based on a change in capacitance.

[0112] According to another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine the location of the touch based on the change in capacitance.

[0113] According to another embodiment, the first textile layer is formed of a first set of non-conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed of a second set of non-conductive threads interwoven with the second set of conductive threads.

[0114] According to another embodiment, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

[0115] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are exemplary and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described in the context of specific embodiments. Functions may be separated or combined together in the process in different ways or described in different terms in various embodiments of the present disclosure. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements may fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Portable electronic devices; a wearable fabric article having a first conductive line forming a touch sensor, a second conductive line carrying a drive signal to the touch sensor, and a shielding layer interposed between the first conductive line and the second conductive line, wherein the touch sensor is configured to receive a touch input; as well as A circuit is configured to apply the drive signal to the second conductive line and control the portable electronic device in response to the touch input. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device is configured to output a notification, and wherein the circuitry is configured to acknowledge receipt of the notification in response to the touch input.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to provide an audio output related to the notification, and wherein the circuit is configured to mute the audio output in response to the touch input. 4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the circuit is configured to initiate a message on the portable electronic device in response to the touch input.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the message is selected from the group consisting of an email and a text message. 6 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the touch input comprises a gesture, and wherein the message comprises a predetermined message based on the gesture. 7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the circuit is configured to place the portable electronic device in a do not disturb mode in response to the touch input.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to place the portable electronic device in a secure mode in response to the touch input, and wherein the portable electronic device is configured to require authentication when operating in the secure mode.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to silence an alert on the portable electronic device in response to the touch input.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the circuit is configured to adjust a volume of an audio output on the portable electronic device in response to the touch input.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable textile article comprises a wristband, and wherein the touch sensor comprises a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect multiple touches.

12. A system comprising: an electronic device configured to provide an audio output; A wearable fabric wristband having overlapping first and second fabric layers, first conductive lines in the first fabric layer forming a capacitive touch sensor, and second conductive lines in the second fabric layer carrying a drive signal to the capacitive touch sensor, wherein the capacitive touch sensor is configured to receive a touch input; as well as A circuit is configured to apply the drive signal to the second conductive line and control the audio output in response to the touch input.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the circuit is configured to mute the audio output in response to the touch input.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the circuit is configured to adjust a volume of the audio output in response to the touch input.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the audio output comprises a media playback, and wherein the circuitry is configured to select a next audio track of the media playback in response to the touch input.

16. A system comprising: Mobile phone; A fabric wristband configured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone, wherein the fabric wristband comprises: Non-conductive wire; and a first conductive thread interwoven with the non-conductive thread and configured to form a touch sensor on the fabric wristband; a second conductive line overlapping the first conductive line and carrying a drive signal to the touch sensor; and A circuit is configured to apply the drive signal to the second conductive line and control the operation of the mobile phone based on a touch input to the touch sensor.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the circuit is configured to place the mobile phone in a do not disturb mode in response to the touch input.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the circuit is configured to place the mobile phone in a secure mode in response to the touch input, and wherein the mobile phone is configured to require a password when operating in the secure mode.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the mobile phone is configured to send a text message in response to the touch input.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the touch input comprises a gesture, and wherein the text message comprises a predetermined message based on the gesture.

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